Pumps



23, 1958 A. FERRARI, JR, El'AL 2,865,303

PUMPS Filed Oct. 22. 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS flnlre's fkrrarzf Jr. BY ac [Israeli F Gan ATTORNEYS Dec. 23, 1958 A. FERRARI, JR., ETAL 2,865,303

PUMPS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 22, 1954 United States Patent f PUMPS Andres Ferrari, Jr., Scarsdale, and Jack Isreeli, Tuckahoe, N. Y., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Technicon Instruments Corporation, Chauncey, N. H., a corporation of New York Application October 22, 1954, Serial No. 463,860

9 Claims. (Cl. 103149) The present invention relates to pumps.

One object of the present invention is the provision of a pump which is especially well adapted to simultaneously pump a plurality of fluids from a plurality of separate sources to a plurality of separate outlets.

Another object is the provision of a pump, of the above stated type, wherein the possibility of injury to flexible tubing, which extends between the various inlets and outlets, is greatly minimized, whereby to prolong the life of the pump.

Another object is the provision of a pump which is adapted for the proportional pumping at constant rates of a plurality of different fluids.

Another object is the provision of a pump, of the positive displacement type, which is adapted to pump relatively small quantities of liquid from a plurality of different sources into a plurality of individual outlets related to said sources.

A further object is the provision of a highly novel and efficient pump which is especially adapted for the continuous supplying of predetermined quantities or samples of one or more different liquids.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pump pursuant to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 oi Figure 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view, in elevation, taken in the direction of the arrow 4 in Figure 3; and

Fig. 5 is a plan view with parts broken away, of a modified form of junction block.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is shown a pump which is adapted for the proportional pumping at constant rates of a plurality of fluids which are admitted to the pump through a plurality of inlet pipes or tubes 12 which extend to the fluid supplies (not illustrated). The pump 10 serves to advance predetermined quantities of the fluid, in each of the inlet tubes 12, through the pump to the respective outlet tubes 14. As presently used, the pump 10 is part of an apparatus for the automatic analysis of body fluids, such as the apparatus illustrated and described in the application of Leonard T. Skeggs, Serial No. 330,211, filed January 8, 1953, now Patent No. 2,797,149 and assigned to the assignee hereof. In such apparatus, the pump is utilized to continuously supply to the apparatus samples of various body fluids and predetermined quantities of various processing media in a continuous manner. However, it

will be understood that the pump 10 is not limited for use with the described apparatus but may be used wherever it is desired to provide for the proportional pumping at constant rates of various fluids.

As here shown, the pump is mounted on a base or support member 16 preferably formed of aluminum, steel plate or other suitable material. A platen 18, preferably formed of phenolic impregnated fabric, or other suitable material, is mounted in floating disposition on the base i6. More specifically, four studs 20 are threadedly engaged in the platen 18.. Said studs extend through apertures 22 provided in the base 16 and into recesses 24 defined in the latter. A compression spring 26 is mounted on each stud 20, being disposed between the base and the overlying platen, as best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Washers 25, provided on each stud 20, serve as detents to limit the movement of the platen away from the base through the expansion of the springs 26..

The platen 18 has provision to mount the previously mentioned inlet tubes 12 and outlet tubes 14. More specifically, the platen is provided with the integral end extensions 28 and 39. Each extension is provided with a pair of dowel pins 32, spaced transversely of the platen, as best illustrated in Figure 1. Junction blocks 34A and 343, preferably formed of lucite or other suitable material are removably retained in position on the extensions 28 and 31), by the dowl pins 32 which extend through grooves 36 provided at the opposite end of each block. A plurality of passageways or ducts 38 extend in parallel relation transversely of each block. As here shown, provision is made for eight ducts 38 to accommodate the eight inlet tubes 12 and the eight outlet tubes 14 respectively. A pair of rigid tubular members 40 and 42 are pressed into each block in the opposite ends of each duct 38, as best illustrated in Figure 2, the tubes 42 being of larger diameter than the tubes 40. The tube sections 46 in the block 234A at the inlet side of the pump are aligned with the tube sections 40 in the block 3413 at the outlet side of the pump, and each pair of aligned tube sections 40 is interconnected by a flexible tube or conduit 44 so that, as presently constructed, and as illustrated herein there are eight conduits 44 interconnected between the junction blocks. The platen 18 is provided with a thickened or raised portion 46, between the end extensions 28 and 30 thereof, and said conduits 44, which are formed of a suitable resilient material, are supported in parallel relationship on said raised portion 46 and extend longitudinally of the platen, between the end extensions thereof, as best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3.

The pump operating mechanism is generally indicated by the reference numeral 50. Said mechanism is pivotally mounted for movement between a retracted position thereof, as indicated in broken line in. Fig. 3, and an operative position thereof, as indicated in full line in said figure. Said operating mechanism comprises the plate 52 which mounts the tracks 54 and 56, and the sprocket chain assemblies or endless conveyor 58 and 60, which ride on the tracks 54 and 56, respectively.

In order to mount the tracks on the plate 52, each track is provided at one side thereof with a groove 62 which extends longitudinally thereof. Each of the side edges 64 of the plate 52 have a friction fit in the adjacent groove 62, as best illustrated in Figure 3. The plate is provided with a pair of parallel bores 66, which extend transversely therethrough, and each of the tracks is provided with a pair of bores 68 which register with the bores 66, respectively, in the plate.

In order to mount the operating mechanism for the pivotal movement thereof, as previously described, provision is made for a hinge 70, suitably secured on the base 16 laterally of the track 56, as by the bolt 72. The hinge mounts a pivot member 74. A pair of mounting rods 76 extend through the bores provided in the plate 52 and the tracks 54 and 56. Said rods are provided with flattened end portions 77 which straddle the hinge 70 and are mounted on the pivot 74. The rods 76 are provided with integral bosses '78 which serve as detents for the adjacent track 56. A latch member 80 is mounted by the rods 76, which extend therethrough, in abutment with the adjacent surface of the track 54. The various parts carried by the rods are secured in position thereon by the nuts 82 which are secured onto the threaded ends 84 of the rods which project from said latch 80. It will be apparent that the various parts are properly disposed in position when the nuts 82 are sufficiently tightened on the rods 76 so as to abut the track 56 against the detent bosses '78. The latch 81) is provided with a vertically extending groove 86 which is adapted to accommodate an anchor member 88. Said member 83 is mounted by the base 16, as at 90, and is provided with a free end portion 92 of smaller diameter than the body 94 thereof to provide a shoulder 96. With the operating assembly 50 disposed in the operating position thereof, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and in full line in Figure 3, the reduced portion 92 of the anchor 88 extends through the groove 86, and the threaded end 98 thereof projects upwardly from the latch 80. A wing nut 100 threaded onto the portion 98 releasably secures the operating assembly 50 in the operative disposition thereof, as illustrated in Figure 4, with plate 52 parallel to support 16.

As previously indicated, the tracks 54 and 56 mount the sprocket chain assemblies or conveyors 58 and 69, in spaced lateral disposition. vEach sprocket chain is provided with the conventional sets of inner links 102, adjacent inner links being interconnected by the outer links 104. The inner and outer links mount conventional pins 106 provided in bushings Th8 which mount rollers 11% adapted to ride on the peripheries of the associated tracks. Pursuant to the present invention, certain of the pins 106 and bushings 108 individual to each of the sprocket chain assemblies 58 and 60 are omitted and, in lieu thereof, provision is made for common roller pins 112 which interconnect both conveyors. As presently constructed, provision is made for four common roller pins 112 which are equally spaced along the extent of both sprocket chain assemblies so as to be carried in mutually spaced relation over the upper and lower runs of the chain assemblies. As best illustrated in Figure 3, each pin 112 has opposite end portions 114 of reduced diameter. Said end portions 114 are similar to the previously described single pins 106 and are provided in the same manner as the latter with rollers 110 which ride on the periphery of the associated track 54 or 56, as the case may be. In addition, provision is made for retaining elements 116 which interengage the free ends of the pin portions 114 the member 112 and the adjacent ,roller pm 106, as best illustrated in Figure ,1. intermediate the tracks 54 and 56, the body 118 of each member 112, which as previously indicated, is of greater diameter than the ends 114 and 116 thereof, is provided with a plurality of rollers 120, there being one roller on each member 112 for each resilient tube 44.

The sprocket chain assemblies 58 and 60 are driven by conventional sprocket gears 121 and 122, respectively. Said gears are keyed to a shaft 124 which is journalled in a bearing member 126 provided in an end portion 128 of the plate 52. The drive shaft 124 is keyed to a suitable gear 125 which meshes with a drive gear 127, the latter being driven by a suitable motor and variable speed drive which are generally indicated herein by the reference numeral 131.

With the pump in the operative condition thereof, as illustrated in Figure 1, the operation of the motor 131 and the associated variable speed drive will cause the sprocket chain assemblies or conveyors 58 and 60 to move in the direction of the arrows 132 and 134 in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. Due to the previously described floating mounting of the platen 18, the platen is biased upwardly so as to resiliently urge the flexible tubes 44 against the associated rolers provided on the four members 112 carried by the conveyor assemblies 53 and 60, as said members are carried along the lower runs of the conveyors. As each roller 12-0 moves along the underlying flexible tube 44 from the input line 12 to the output line 14 associated therewith, the roller presses the underlying tube 44 against the bias of the springs 26 so as to force the sides thereof together to collapse the tube. Consequently, each roller moves the fluid ahead of it through the tubing as it moves from the inlet end to the outlet end of the pump. More specifically, a moving pocket is created between the spaced points on each flexible tube where the walls are pressed together, as indicated at in Figure 2, the fluid in said pocket being urged forwardly by the rear roller 1221A as the forward roller 120B moves forwardly. While the pocket 13f) is closed at both ends, it will be noted that the following pocket, as indicated at 130A, is in a condition wherein it is closed at only on end thereof so as to permit the liquid to flow into the pocket behind the roller 1243A as the latter is advancing, and before the pocket is closed by the roller 1200 which has not as yet engaged the flexible tube 44. The feed of the fluid into the tube 44 through the tube 12 may be a gravity feed, wherein the fluid supply would be at a higher level than the tubes 44 in the pump 1d. However, the pump 10 is also capable of operating as a self-feeding pump. In this connection, it will be noted that as each roller initially engages its associated tube 44 adjacent the inlet block 34A, and as said roller moves forwardly toward the outlet block 348 it serves to create a flow of material or liquid into the tube 4 by suction. The suction is created as a result of the roller forcing the walls of the flexible tube together and moving forwardly to continuously release the pressure behind the roller so as to permit for a suction input of the liquid into the tube 44. In this manner, it will be readily apparent that predetermined quantities of fluid are advanced or pumped by the pump 10 in a continuous manner as the rollers thereof progressively move forwardly along the underlying flexible tubes. The quantity of material in each of said predetermined quantities may be changedby changing the spacing between the various rollers 120 and by changing the diameter of the tubes 44. In addition, it will be apparent that the number of roller pins 112 may be increased or decreased from that shown herein and in addition the number of tubes 44 and companion rollers 120 may also be increased or decreased from that shown herein in accordance with specific requirements.

The tubes 44 may be readily removed and replaced forv cleaning, inspection, repair, etc. by simply withdrawing the thumb nut 14%) and pivoting the operating assembly about the pivot 74 of the hinge 70. The junction blocks 34A and 34B as well as the tube sections carried thereby may also be readily removed by merely withdrawing the junction blocks upwardly away from the platen.

Under certain circumstances or conditions, it may be desirable or advantageous to mix or blend the liquids being pumped by the pump 10. In this connection, provision is made for a modified form of junction block 34C as illustrated in Fig. 5, to replace the block 348. As here shown, the block 34C is provided with a manifold arrangement whereby certain of the ducts 38 are interconnected by a duct 39 which extends transversely thereof. Each duct 39 extends longitudinally of the block 34C, from a groove 36, to intersect the desired number of ducts 38. The ducts 39 are closed at .the associated grooves 36 by plugs 41, which may be formed of plastic, metal or other suitable material.

In the particular arrangement illustrated, the fluids pumped through three lines 44 are mixed in one of the ducts 39 and discharged through one outlet tube .14, while the fluid pumped through two other lines 44 are mixed in .5 the other duct 39 and discharged through another outlet tube 14. Each of the remaining lines 44 is interconnected between one inlet tube 12 and one outlet tube 14. However, it will be apparent that it is within the scope of the present invention to change the mixing or blending arrangement from that specifically illustrated.

While the pump has been illustrated and described in connection with the pumping of liquids, it will be understood that its use is not limited thereto but that it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize the pump with other types of matter, for example and not by way of limitation, gases or other flowable non-packable materials.

While we have shown and described the preferred embodiments of our invention, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the present invention without departing from the underlying idea or principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

i. In a fluid pump wherein a plurality of individual flexible tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation and which comprises backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relations and between which said tubes are disposed and which are movable longitudinally of said tubes, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices extending transversely of the tubes and spaced from each other in the direction of movement of said roller means and movable longitudinally of said tubes in engagement therewith, progressively along their lengths for compressing all of said tubes simultaneously between said roller means and said backing means for the pumping operation, means including resilient means mounting said backing means and said roller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and away from each other variable distances transverselyof said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween, and means mounting said backing means and said roller means for relative movement from relative positions in which said tubes are compressed to relative positions, away from each other, for the insertion and removal of said tubes.

2. In a fluid pump wherein a plurality of individual flexible tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation and which comprises unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed and which are movable longitudinally of said tubes, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices extending transversely of the tubes and spaced from each other in the direction of movement of said roller means and movable longitudinally of said tubes in engagement therewith progressively along their lengths for compressing all of said tubes simultaneously between said roller means and said backing means for the pumping operation, means including resilient means mounting said unitary backing means and said roller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and away from each other variable distances transversely of said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween to compensate for inequalities in said tubes, said unitary backing means comprising a Single platen having a surface adapted to have all of said tubes pressed thereagainst by said roller devices, and said mounting means comprising means for supporting said platen for yielding movement toward and away from said roller devices variable distances in directions transversely of said tubing and longitudinally of said tubing.

3. In a fluid pump wherein a plurality of individual flexible tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation and which comprises unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed and which are movable longitudinally of said tubes, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices extending transversely of the tubes and spaced from each other in the direction of movement of said roller means and movable longitudinally of said tubes in engagement therewith progressively along their lengths for compressing all of said tubes simultaneously between said roller means and said backing means for the pumping operation, means including resilient means mounting said unitary backing means and said roller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and away from each other variable distances transversely of said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween to compensate for inequalities in said tubes, said unitary backing means comprising a single platen having a surface adapted to have all of said tubes pressed thereagainst by said roller devices, and said mounting means comprising means for supporting said platen for yielding movement toward and away from said roller devices variable distances in directions transversely of said tubing and longitudinally of said tubing, said roller means comprising a plurality of endless members carrying said roller devices therebetween and movable longitudinally of the tubes when the latter are in position, and means mounting said endless members for pivotal movement as a unit about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of said endless members for movement of said roller means to and from said position for engagement with said tubes. to provide for placement and removal of said tubes from between said backing and said roller means.

4. In a fluid pump wherein a plurality-of individual flexible. tubes are disposed .in side-by-side relation and which comprises unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed and which are movable longitudinally of said tubes, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices extending transversely of the tubes and spaced from each other in the direction of movement of said roller means and movable longitudinally of said tubes in engagement therewith progressively along their lengths for compressing all of said tubes simultaneously between said roller means and said backing means for the pumping operation, said roller means comprising a plurality of endless members carrying said roller devices therebetween and movable longitudinally of the tubes when the latter are in position, and means'mounting said endless members for pivotal movement as a unit about an axis parallel to the direction of movement of said endless members for move ment of said roller means to and from said position for engagement with said tubes to provide for placement and removal of said tubes from between said backing and said roller means.

5. In a fluid pump wherein a plurality of individual flexible tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation and which comprises unitary backing means and movable roller means Which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed and'which are movable longitudinally of said tubes, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices extending transversely of the tubes and spaced from each other in the direction of movement of said roller means and movable longitudinally of said tubes in engagement therewith progressively along their lengths for compressing all of said tubes simultaneously between said roller means and said backing means for the pumping operation, means in cluding resilient means mounting said unitary backing means and said roller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and away from each other variable distances transversely of said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween to compensate for inequalities in said tubes, said roller means comprising a plurality of endless members carrying said roller devices therebetween and movable longitudinally of the tubes when the latter are in position, and means mounting said endless members for pivotal movement as a unit about an axis parallel to the direction .of movement of said endless members for movement of said roller means to and from said position for engagement with said tubes to provide for placement and removal of said tubes from between said backing and said roller means.

6. A pump comprising a plurality of flexible tubes of diiferent internal diameters, means including unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices each extending transversely of said tubes and disposed in laterally spaced relation in said roller means for engagement with all of said tubes simultaneously at spaced points progressively along the lengths of the tubes for compressing the tubes for the pumping operation, and means including resilient means mounting said unitary backing means and saidroller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and away from each other variable distances transversely of said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween, and means mounting said backing means and said roller means for relative movement from relative positions in which said tubes are compressed to relative positions, away from each other, for the insertion and removal of said tubes, and releasable means for releasably holding said unitary backing means and roller means in tube compressing relation.

7. A pump comprising a plurality of flexible tubes of different internal diameters, means including unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices each extending transversely of said tubes and disposed in laterally spaced relation in said roller means for engagement with all of said tubes simultaneously at spaced points progressively along the lengths of the tubes for compressing the tubes for the pumping operation, and means including resilient means mounting said unitary backing means and said roller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and away from each other variable distances transversely of said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween to compensate for inequalities in said tubes, said unitary backing means comprising a single platen having a surface adapted to have all of said tubes pressed thereagainst by said roller devices, and said mounting means comprising means for supporting said platen for yielding movement toward and away from said roller devices variable distances in directions transversely of said tubing and longitudinally of said tubing.

8. A pump comprising a plurality of flexible tubes of diiferent internal diameters, means including unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices each extending transversely of said tubes and disposed in laterally spaced relation in said roller means for engagement with all of said tubes simultaneously at spaced points progressively along the lengths of the tubes for compressing the tubes for the pumping operation, and means including resilient means mounting said unitary backing means and said roller means for limited relative movement resiliently toward and aWay from each other variable distances transversely of said tubes while the tubes are compressed therebetween to compensate for inequalities in said tubes, and means for releasably securing said backing means and said roller means against relative movement away from each other beyond said limited resilient movement, said backing means and said roller means being relatively movable away from each other, about an axis parallel to the length to said tubes, to separated positions to enable the insertion and removalof said tubes.

9. A pump comprising a plurality of flexible tubes of different internal diameters, means including unitary backing means and movable roller means which are in confronting relation and between which said tubes are disposed in side-by-side relation, said roller means comprising a plurality of roller devices each extending transversely of said tubes and disposed in laterally spaced relation in said roller means for engagement with all of said tubes simultaneously at spaced points progressively along the lengths of the tubes for compressing the tubes for the pumping operation, said roller means further comprising a plurality of endless members carrying said roller devices therebetween and movable longitudinally of the tubes When the latter are in position, a shaft operatively con nected to said endless members for actuating them, guide means for said endless members comprising a unitary member extending between said endless members and hav ing upper and lower side portions and curved end portions over which said endless members are movable during the actuation thereof, said guide means also providing a support for said shaft, and means mounting said guide means and shaft support to and from positions in which said roller devices engage said tubes to provide for placement and removal of said tubes from between said backing and said roller means.

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